The three ways to see your Android phone on your PC screen

You can view your Android phone on a PC using three main methods: wireless casting (which sends video and audio to your screen), USB cable mirroring (which connects through a physical link), or remote access software (which lets you control the phone from your keyboard and mouse). Casting works best for showing photos or videos to a group. USB mirroring gives you a stable connection for longer sessions. Remote access is useful when you need to control the phone itself from your computer.

The method you choose depends on what you want to do. If you just want to watch videos or show pictures, casting is simplest. If you need to interact with apps or respond to messages, remote access or USB mirroring work better. Each method requires different software and setup steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Wireless casting sends your phone's screen to your PC without a cable, but requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and compatible software.
  • USB mirroring connects your phone directly to your PC with a cable, offering a stable connection that does not depend on Wi-Fi strength.
  • Remote access software lets you control your Android phone from your PC keyboard and mouse, useful for managing the phone while you work.
  • Windows 10 and later include a built-in "Phone Link" feature that works with some Android phones without downloading extra software.
  • Third-party apps like Scrcpy, AirDroid, and Vysor each work differently and support different Android versions, so check compatibility before installing.

Using Windows Phone Link for built-in mirroring

If you have Windows 10 or Windows 11, your PC includes a feature called Phone Link (formerly "Your Phone") that can mirror some Android phones without extra software. Open Phone Link on your PC, sign in with your Microsoft account, and follow the prompts to link your Android phone. Your phone must also be signed into the same Microsoft account.

Phone Link works best with Samsung phones running Android 7 or later, though support varies by phone model and Android version. Once linked, you can see your phone's screen, open apps, and send messages directly from your PC. The connection is wireless and works over your home Wi-Fi network. If Phone Link does not recognize your phone, move to one of the third-party methods below.

Casting wirelessly with Google Cast or Miracast

Google Cast (also called Chromecast) sends your Android phone's screen to your PC if both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. On your Android phone, swipe down from the top to open Quick Settings, tap "Cast" or "Screen cast," and select your PC from the list. Your phone's screen will appear in a window on your PC within a few seconds.

Miracast is an older wireless standard that works similarly but requires a Miracast receiver on your PC. Windows 10 and 11 can act as a Miracast receiver if your PC has the right hardware (most newer laptops do). To use Miracast, go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC on your Windows PC, then cast from your Android phone the same way as Google Cast. Miracast works without Wi-Fi, but Google Cast is more common and easier to set up.

Connecting with a USB cable and Scrcpy

Scrcpy is free open-source software that mirrors your Android phone to your PC over a USB cable. read Scrcpy from the official GitHub repository, connect your phone to your PC with a USB cable, enable Developer Options on your phone (go to Settings > About Phone and tap "Build Number" seven times), then turn on USB Debugging in Developer Options. Launch Scrcpy on your PC and your phone's screen will appear in a window.

Scrcpy works with any Android phone running version 5.0 or later and gives you a stable, lag-free connection because the cable carries the video signal directly. You can interact with your phone using your PC's mouse and keyboard. The main drawback is that you need a USB cable and must enable Developer Options, which takes a few extra steps the first time you set it up.

Using AirDroid for remote access and control

AirDroid is a third-party app that lets you see and control your Android phone from your PC over Wi-Fi or the internet. read the AirDroid app on your Android phone from the Google Play Store, create an AirDroid account, and sign in. Then read AirDroid on your PC from the official website, sign in with the same account, and your phone will appear in the list of devices. Click your phone to open a window showing your screen and control it with your mouse and keyboard.

AirDroid works from anywhere (not just your home network) and includes features like file transfer and message notifications. The free version has limits on session length and features, while the paid version removes these restrictions. AirDroid requires an internet connection and an account, but it is useful if you need to manage your phone while away from home.

Using Vysor for straightforward screen mirroring

Vysor is a Chrome extension that mirrors your Android phone to your PC. Install the Vysor extension in Google Chrome, connect your Android phone to your PC with a USB cable, enable USB Debugging on your phone (same steps as Scrcpy above), and open Vysor in Chrome. Your phone's screen will appear in a Chrome tab, and you can interact with it using your mouse and keyboard.

Vysor works with any Android phone version 4.4 or later and is straightforward to set up if you already use Chrome. The free version shows your screen with a small watermark and limits session length. The paid version removes these limits and adds features like recording. Like Scrcpy, Vysor requires a USB cable and Developer Options, but it runs inside your browser instead of as a separate process.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your phone does not appear when you try to cast, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your phone's casting feature is turned on. Restart both devices and try again. If you are using USB mirroring with Scrcpy or Vysor and your phone does not connect, make sure USB Debugging is actually enabled in Developer Options (toggle it off and on again), and try a different USB cable or port on your PC.

If the screen appears but lags or freezes, move closer to your Wi-Fi router (for wireless methods) or try a shorter USB cable (for wired methods). Close other apps on your phone to free up memory. If you are using remote access software like AirDroid and the connection keeps dropping, check that your internet connection is stable and that your firewall is not blocking the app. Most connection issues resolve by restarting both devices and checking that all settings are enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for any of these methods?

Phone Link, Google Cast, Miracast, and Scrcpy are all free. AirDroid and Vysor offer free versions with limits and paid versions that unlock more features. You do not need to pay to see your phone on your PC, but paid versions remove watermarks and session time limits.

Can I use these methods without Wi-Fi?

USB cable methods (Scrcpy and Vysor) work without Wi-Fi because the cable carries the connection. Miracast also works without Wi-Fi. Google Cast and AirDroid require Wi-Fi or internet. If you have no Wi-Fi, use a USB cable method.

Will mirroring drain my phone's battery?

Yes, mirroring uses extra power because your phone is constantly sending video to your PC. Battery drain is worse with wireless methods than USB methods. If you plan a long session, plug your phone into a charger.

Can I mirror my phone while using it at the same time?

Yes, your phone continues to work normally while mirroring. You can use it in your hands or control it from your PC keyboard and mouse. The screen on your PC updates in real time to show what you are doing.

What Android versions are supported?

Phone Link works with Android 7 and later on compatible phones. Scrcpy supports Android 5.0 and later. Vysor supports Android 4.4 and later. AirDroid works with most Android versions. Check the official website for your chosen method to confirm your phone is supported.